Alabama NewsCenter 2022 football preview: UAB
UAB interim head coach Bryant Vincent says starting quarterback Dylan Hopkins has had a great summer. (UAB Athletics)
Bryant Vincent is quick to admit that there’s only one Bill Clark.
“What he has accomplished throughout his career and what he has accomplished here at UAB is something that’s going to be tough to match,” said Vincent, the interim football coach at UAB who’s succeeding the recently retired Clark.
But the former Blazer offensive coordinator said he knows he has not been asked to be the man who led the resurrection of the program.
“Our job and our goal (are) just to go out there and represent UAB, go after another Conference USA championship and just try to elevate the standard, just try to make it better, just try to take that next step in this program as we continue to grow.”
Since The Return from the shutdown of the program, the Blazers have set a high standard. They have won three Conference USA West Division Championships and won two of the three league title games in which they’ve played.
UAB closed out the 2021 season with a victory over its highest ranked bowl opponent, outlasting Brigham Young 31-28 in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl.
The 2022 team appears primed for another strong showing with 21 starters back – eight on offense, nine on defense and four specialists. Only five 2021 starters are missing, but the team is missing Clark, who retired Aug. 1 because of health reasons.
[vimeo 744241512 w=640 h=360]Interim head coach Bryant Vincent outlines his plan to keep UAB blazing from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.
Vincent said it is not enough for the Blazers to rest on prior accomplishments. They need to reach for more.
“I think the biggest thing we’ve tried to do is elevate this program,” the interim head coach said. “We’ve built standards. We’ve elevated them every year. The expectations are high and that’s what we want. That means we’ve done something here at UAB. We know we’re proud of what we’ve built here.
“This team’s job is to elevate those expectations, to elevate those standards and go out and compete for another conference championship,” he continued. “It’s where you want to be if you’re an elite program, which we know that UAB is an elite program. We’re excited where we’re at, (but) we’re not satisfied. We want to go out and chase another championship.”
Vincent recalled having been on the Southside campus at the program’s “lowest lows” when it was shut down. He was on the staff when the program notched its first championship, its first bowl win and its first C-USA West championship.
“I know this program inside and out,” he said. “My heart and my passion (are) in UAB, so I fully understand what’s in front of us, what the expectations are, what the standards are because we set them. I’m honored and I’m humbled to lead this football program in 2022. But I’m also excited (for) this football team to go out there and continue our tradition.”
While Vincent is leading the program as head coach, Dylan Hopkins is the on-field face of the program, having been named the starting quarterback.
“Without a doubt, Dylan’s had a great summer,” Vincent said. “He has a great grasp of the offense. He knows exactly where to go with the ball. He’s very accurate. He’s up to 223 pounds (and) this the healthiest he’s ever been.
“He’s the leader of this team right now and he’s the best quarterback we’ve got right now,” he continued. “I’m just proud of his progress and proud of where he’s at up to this point.”
Hopkins was bolstered by competition from Baylor transfer Jacob Zeno, a redshirt junior.
“I think Dylan Hopkins grew and grew and grew because of Jacob Zeno and Bryson Lucero,” Vincent said. “Jacob Zeno had a great fall camp also. He was on his heels, he pushed him, he motivated him. They’re great teammates. Competition brings out the best in everybody.”
Zeno won’t just hold a clipboard. The head Blazer said he will definitely see action.
“To be honest with you, our plan is to play Jacob every half,” Vincent said. “He’s good enough to play. He can help us win games. That protects our team, getting our backup experience. We know it’s a journey. It’s a long season and to be able to play for a championship you’ve got to win games late in November.”
Alabama NewsCenter is posting season previews for all 16 college football programs in Alabama. Read previews for Jacksonville State University, the University of North Alabama, Alabama State University, Birmingham-Southern College, Samford University, Faulkner University, Tuskegee University, the University of West Alabama, Troy University, Miles College, Huntingdon College and Alabama A&M University, and look for a new preview each weekday.
